The non-profit foundation established by Township of Langley Mayor Eric Woodward has reported a mere $8,117 in donations over its first five years, according to newly released financial documents. This figure stands in stark contrast to earlier pledges of significant contributions to local charities from his real estate holdings.
Key Takeaways
- The Eric Woodward Foundation (EWF) reported only $8,117 in donations between 2019 and 2023.
- This is significantly lower than previous charitable commitments totaling nearly $1.4 million announced between 2018 and 2021.
- Mayor Woodward claims past donations were made through his for-profit company, Fort Langley Properties, not the EWF.
- The foundation spent over $80,000 on events in 2023, despite claims of transitioning event management.
- Financial statements were released after a year-long request from the Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF).
Foundation's Financial Discrepancies
Following a year-long effort by the Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF) to access its financial records, the Eric Woodward Foundation (EWF) has revealed a surprisingly low donation total. The documents, covering 2019 to 2023, show "Donations" listed as an expense in 2023 with a value of $8,117. This has raised questions from former councillors and community members regarding the mayor's initial promises.
Conflicting Donation Claims
In 2018, Mayor Woodward, also a real estate developer, announced the formation of the EWF, pledging to transfer $55 million worth of property and direct all profits to local charities. However, the IJF previously reported that none of the real estate was transferred to the EWF, nor was it registered as a charity. Woodward has since stated that earlier charitable commitments, totaling almost $1.4 million, were made through his for-profit company, Fort Langley Properties, to utilize tax receipts. He has offered no further information on donations made since 2021.
Questions Surrounding Event Spending and Liabilities
Beyond the low donation figures, the financial statements also highlight significant spending on events. The EWF reported nearly $325,000 in event expenses over five years, constituting about 69% of its total expenditures. This is despite Woodward's assertions that events like the Cranberry Festival and summer night markets were transitioned away from the foundation's management after he became mayor in 2022. He later stated on Reddit that the Fort Langley Night Market accounted for most of the foundation's revenues and expenses up to 2024. Additionally, the statements show annual liabilities listed as "due to director," totaling as much as $40,000, which Woodward explained as personal funds provided to cover event losses. However, liabilities were also noted in years without listed event expenses, prompting legal experts to question the nature of these transactions and the lack of detailed explanations for remuneration to the director.
Delayed Filings and Regulatory Oversight
Former Township of Langley councillor Angie Quaale expressed concern over the delayed release of the financial statements, noting that non-profits in B.C. are legally required to prepare them annually. The EWF was incorporated over six years ago. The Ministry of Citizens' Services, which oversees the registry of societies, stated that the registrar has no authority to enforce rights provided in the act, directing individuals with concerns about potential criminal activity to law enforcement. The IJF had to obtain the statements through an order from the B.C. Registrar of Companies after direct requests were ignored.
Dissolution of Another Woodward Non-Profit
In related news, another non-profit founded by Woodward, the Fort Langley Project Society, is reportedly being prepared for dissolution. Woodward stated that this organization never carried on active operations or maintained bank accounts, and therefore, no financial statements were prepared for it.
